Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
My first story I want to share today happened in 1983 and Chad was only a few months old. We were at church and the visiting preacher came over to me. He asked if he could pray over Chad. He told us that the enemy would come to Chad and try to take his life two times, but he can't take his life. He said that Chad was called by God to do greater things. He said remember what I said and you pray. Seek God on behalf of Chad and all will be fine. I must admit, this scared me and I over thought the process of something bad would happen to my son. Yet, I knew to hold onto the promise that God had Chad's life in God's control.
Almost two years would pass and Chad would become very sick. He was swelling up at every joint in his body. The words of the preacher came back to me. I began to seek God and call friends to pray. The doctor said he had about 3 days to live. This shocking news brought me to tears but prayer too. God heard our prayers and God became fine again. A true miracle of God. The doctor said, he never believed in God unto he saw Chad's illness disappear and a miracle of health happened. A testimony came out of this.
I believe the second time was when the enemy tried to take Chad's spiritual walk with God away. Chad turned from God over a situation and I began to pray. Actually, several were praying for Chad to come back to the Lord and allow him to use his life. Down the road, Chad heard the pull on his heart and started attention church again. Not only attending church, but now him and his wife are in kids ministry, leading a group of people and so willing to help anywhere he can at church. His life is one lead by God and he leads his family by God's word too.
BIRTHDAYS ~
I can look back on today as I had Chad. The joy that filled my soul and others who came to the hospital. I look into today and the joy that continues too. He has two beautiful girls (Brookley and Willow). Ashley (His wife) is pregnant with their first child. They find out today if the baby is a boy or girl. Although they want a reveal party and not sure when that is. So we might not know that answer today. We pray a health baby! The baby is due in December and excited for them, but excited for me too. I simply love being a Grammie.
There is something about the mind that is great. We can feel moments of life that happened years ago. Memories of what was and they carry into today. I see a baby swimming pool and both my kids inside of it. Playing and then getting frustrated, but happy kids over all. I had a stranger tell me to enjoy every moment of my kids, because they will grow up fast. I was about 26 years old and I didn't get that big picture of life. I certainly do get the big picture now because I am living it. Kids who became kid/adults and I still enjoy seeing them together. I still enjoy hearing happy stories of their lives and family.
I am a mom who is in awe of God's grace, mercy and power. I am a praying mom over them every morning and every evening. I pray over their families and grandkids as well. I know that the power of prayer changes me and that changes situations. I know that the prayer of prayer moves the hand of God and miracles happen. I've seen so many miracles and I know that God's favor is over my family and their families. Please know that God is watching over your life too. He cares and his power is real. Prayers are simply talking to God. Sometimes the miracle is in the process of time, never forget that. I care and my prayers continue for you, your family and your friends too.
Happy Birthday Son
~ Sparkie (MOM)